Day 19: Alaska to Mexico Marathon Rally Adventure
Day 19: Alaska to Mexico Rally 2023 - Rest Day Delight!"
Today marked the third well-deserved rest day in our incredible marathon rally. As we've learned on this adventure, it's a marathon, not a sprint. So, we took this opportunity to tend to some important tasks – laundry, car repairs, and, of course, some well-deserved relaxation.
The Springhill Suites, our rest day haven, became a hub of activity. In the early morning hours, the telltale sound of spanners working on classic cars echoed through the air. John and Daisy Pyle's Chevy required a rear brake rebuild, ensuring it's ready for the road ahead. Ean and Alison Lewin were focused on their Escort, fine-tuning the front stoppers that had been causing some minor issues. They're a competitive team and wanted their car to be near perfect for the final stretch of our event.
Another familiar sound was the hum of car engines as the crews and sweep teams worked tirelessly to diagnose and solve issues. Andreas Honegger and Peter Kruse's Mercedes had been running on only four of its six cylinders recently, so the crew dove into the engine bay to address the distributor. Meanwhile, Adrian and Christine Hodgson's small Austin had a part in town made at a local machine shop, showcasing the resourcefulness of our rally participants.
Roy Stephenson, perhaps with a hint of tempting fate, mentioned that the Mustang was "running almost perfectly." The car's steering wheel was still securely attached, which is a great sign as we approach the next ten days of our journey.
After fulfilling their rest day chores, the crews had some well-deserved downtime. Many took advantage of the opportunity to book helicopter tours of the nearby Arches National Park, taking in the breathtaking landscapes from above. Nick and Serita Sleep, on the other hand, decided to stay a bit closer to the ground. They exchanged four wheels for two and rented mountain bikes to explore the surroundings.
Over the past three weeks, we've encountered an incredible array of sights, and today was no exception. Daisy Pyle beautifully summed up her experience, "In the beginning, I was a little apprehensive about this Rally because it's a marathon, but I've been enjoying the challenge. It's very hard but very enjoyable. The people are wonderful, and there are no words to express how beautiful the scenery has been. I get goosebumps. Everyone should see it."
The third rest day was a welcome break that allowed us to recharge our spirits, maintain our cars, and reflect on the breathtaking journey we've undertaken. The camaraderie, the challenges, and the stunning landscapes continue to make this rally an unforgettable adventure.
